What condition is characterized by a triad of jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, and fever?

The condition characterized by the triad of jaundice, right upper quadrant pain, and fever is cholangitis. This condition occurs due to infection of the bile ducts, often stemming from obstruction caused by gallstones, strictures, or tumors. The clinical presentation includes jaundice, which results from elevated bilirubin levels due to bile duct obstruction, right upper quadrant pain that arises from inflammation and possible distention of the biliary system, and fever that indicates the presence of infection.

Cholangitis is often further described by the presence of Charcot's triad, which includes those three symptoms. When this triad is present, it typically leads to the consideration of urgent management, as cholangitis can rapidly lead to severe complications, including sepsis and organ failure if not treated promptly.

Other choices, while they can present with abdominal pain, fever, or other symptoms, do not align with this specific triad. For example, acute pancreatitis often presents with severe epigastric pain that can radiate to the back but does not typically cause jaundice unless there's concurrent biliary obstruction. Cholecystitis usually presents with right upper quadrant pain and sometimes a fever, but jaundice is not a primary feature unless there's concurrent common bile